Oil refining apparatus



Sept. l, 1931. c. H. LEAcH 1,821,347 l oIL REFINING APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 3l, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet l FZ a# 62 6 lli Il: lll |y n? "g l Il` e Sept. l, 1931. c. H. LEACH 1,821,347

oIL` REFINING APPARATUS Orjigjfnal Filed Dec. 31, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. l, 1931. c. H. LEACH OIL REFINING APPARATUS l5l, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Deo QOQQQQAVO 9 @oobooaoo oooooooooaaoooooooo Sep. l, 1931. Q LEACH y, 1,821,347

OIL REFINING APPARATUS Original Fled Dec. 3l. 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 0@ @QQQQQQJ Vf' i ya 1- Sept. ,1, 1931. C, H, LEACH 1,821,347

OIL REFINING APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 3l. 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Sept. 1, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlca CHARLES H. LEACH, OF NEWTON HIGHLANDS, MASSACHUSETTS OIL REFIN'ING- APL-PARATUS REISSUED Application led December 31, 1926, VSerial No. 158,212. Renewed February 26, 1,981.

The present invention relates to oil reliniing apparatus and morel particularly to apparatus of this general character designed for condensin oil vapors in an accurate and a predetermined manner.

One object of the present invention is to improve and reorganize apparatus of this character in order to improve the performance and markedly increase the efficiency of operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a design to which access may be had for cleaning purposes and replacement of parts with a minimum of labor in dismantllng.

With these and other objects in view,

the

various, features of the invention consistin.

certain novel features of construction, combinations and arrangements of parts, as

will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. In the accompanying drawlngs illustrating the preferred form of the invention,

Fig. 1 represents an elevation partially in e section of a condensing apparatus embodying the features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevation similar to Fig. 1 and e at right angles thereto illustrating the shell 3o partially removed to permit access to the interior and to the tube bundles enclosed thereby; v`

Fig. 3 is a section upon the line 3-3eof Fig. 1, illustrating that portion of the unitaryI tube support above the integral web;

Fig. 4 is) a detail illustrating a portion of one of the floating heads showing the-open-` ings-for mounting the upper ends of the tu es;

Fig. 5 is a 1.1.0 'detail illustrating la section of one of the floating heads with a modified form.

of clean-out connection;

\ Fig. 6 is a detail illustratmg a bottom plan view of the head casting forming a compassages for, the flow of cooling medium.

` Fig. 7 is a section of the head casting shown in Fig. 6 upon the line 7-7;

Fig. 8 is a detail illustrating a section of the head casting and showing the manner in from the refining of crude oil. The condenshereinafter claimed, the advantages of whichY bined tube support, vapor connection and which the outer wall is thickened at the base;

Fig. 9 is a detail illustrating a section of theenclosing shell and connected baffles; and

Fig. 10 is a detail illustrating the grid passages formed in the baffles for the flow of vapor therethrough.

The apparatus shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is designed for the accurate fractionation of hot vapors derived ing of these vapors in the present apparatus is accomplished by an interchange of heat between the vapor and the cooling medium or mediums, such as cold charge oil or charge oil and water. An .accurate control of the temperature of the vapor during its passage through the condensing apparatus is obtained by a variation of the path of ow of either or both of the cooling mediums. The appavratus therefore serves not only to permit frac- 7 tionation of the oil vapors with suilicient accuracy for many4 purposes, but in addition serves to impart otherwise waste heat from the oil vapor to the crude charge oil. The apparatus representing an embodiment of the present invention is designed primarily for the handling and condensation of hot vapors under relatively high pressures and temperatures. 'Ifo this end, not only is the apparatus designed to handle the requisite temperatures and ressures with safety, but in addition provision is made for rendering the interior of the apparatus readily accessible in 'order to lpermit frequent clean-out, if desired. Furthermore, the apparatus is designed to permit relatively high velocity of the oil vapor without substantially impeding the path of flow, while at the same time compellingor causing the desired transfer of heat to take place, and to minimize to the 9 utmost the corrosive effect of the hot oil condensate which may otherwise seriously limit thegeliective life of this type of construcion.

Referring to the drawings, the apparatus comprises a tubular rolled shell lO'of generally cylindrical form, having a ,longitudinal seam closed by a plate 11 connected to the shell by rivets 9. The shell is provided at opposite ends with relatively heavy bolting flanges 12 and 14 connected to the shell lby a series of rivets 16, as indicated in'Fig. 1. The shell is normally suported in a vertical position, although it may conceivably depart somewhat from this position if desired, and is connected at its lower end to a tube support 17 which not only forms the supp ort for the enclosing shell but also provides a unitary support for the lower ends of the several tube bundles, as more fully described hereinafter. The upper end of the shell is connected by bolts 18 to a cover member 20, which extends completely over the floating heads and encloses the space thereabove. Enclosed within the shell and connected at their lower ends to the support 17 is a series of tube bundles, indicated more particularly in Fig. 3 and described for convenience as outer bundles 22 and inner bundles 24. The lower ends of the tubes comprising these bundles are `flanged into a transverse web 26 forming a part of the head 17, as will be clearly evident from an inspection of Fig. 1. The upper end of each tube bundle is connected to a floating head, these heads -being indicated at 28 and 30, respectively.

With this construction it will be evident that each tube bundle is permitted to expand and contract independently of each other bundle, thus minimizing the strains otherwise imposed upon the tube connections. The oil Vapor is caused to pass through the intertubular space enclosed-by the shell and surrounding the several tube bundles. vapor is admitted to the lower portion of the tubular space by virtue of an inlet nozzle 32 formed integrally in the head 17 as indicated in Fig. 1. From the inlet nozzle the vapor passes upwardly lengthwise of the entire outer bundle, and at the upper portion thereof is directed into communication with the next tube bundle by the floating head and a series of grid-like passages 34 formed in the upper portion of a baflle member 36 which extends lengthwise ofthe shell between the outer and inner tube bundles. This baffle is connected at opposite edges to the enclosing shell, and at its lower edge cooperates with an integral partition or guide 38, extending upwardly from the web 26 to form a partition and extending completely to the bottom of the tubes for initiallydirecting the flow of the hot vapor. After its passage through the outer bundle of tubes, the hot vapor is caused to pass downwardly through the first inner bundle of tubes, this flow being controlled bythe baffle 36 adjacent to the baille 40. As indicated more particularly in Fig. 1, the baille 40 is connected to the shell and extends upwardly between `adjacent floating heads to prevent passage of vapor from one v tube bundle to the next at this point. The

lower end of the baille 40 terminates short of rib 37 to provide an opening for directing the vapor about the next adjacent tube bundles,

This

and thence upwardly. After passing upwardly through the next inner bundle, the direction of flow of the vapor is reversed by the passages formed in a baille 44, causing the vapor to flow downwardly through the outer bundle 22 from which the vapor is discharged through an outlet nozzle 46 formed integrally with the head 17 opposite the inlet4 32. The provision of the grid-like passages between successive passes serves the dual function of directing the vapor from one pass to the next and for diffusing and creating turbulence in the vapor to improve the interchange of heat between the vapor and the condenser tubes. Furthermore, those portions of the baille members between the openings constitute guides to permit relative longitudinal movement of the baflles and floating headsupon artial or complete removal of the shell. It is probable also that the passages, formed as indicated, aid in the elimination of condensate which might otherwise be entrained in the vapor, and carried thereby from one pass to the next. As the vapor passes through the successive chambers formed by the lengthwise bafiles, a definite proportion is condensed and flows downwardly along the partitions and the exterior of the tubes. This con` densate is collected in thel lower portion of each chamber by collecting basins in the form of depressed gutters 50. As indicated more particularly in Figs. 1 and 3, these gutters extend completely about the lowermost portion of each tube bundle and surround an elevated pad 52 into which the lower end of the tube bundle extends. Communicating with the lowermost portion of each gutter is a condensate outlet 54 which causes a complete drainage of condensate separately from the individual vapor passes. This construction, as hereinbefore described, has several distinct and marked advantages in connection with the condensationof highly-corrosive,`hot oil vapors. In the first place, it will be evident that theunitary support 17, which may be preferably formed as a casting which has a greater resistance to corrosion than the thinner walls of the. shell or baille plates and the tubes, is'so designed as to encounter the major portionV of the corrosive effect. The hot condensate which is an active corrosive agent is in contact with the tubes, baflles and wall of the shell for a minimum of time, this condensate immediately draining 'into the gutters formed in the head casting and being thereby removed from the lower'ends of the tubes and the other portionsof the apparatus susceptible to corrosion. Furthermore, the

hot oil vapor, upon entering the interior of tion, it will be evident with this constructionV that a partial or a complete removal of the enclosing shell may be obtained by merely disconnectingthe bolts which secure the lower end of the shell to the casting 17. Thereafter the elevation of the shell exposes the interior of the tube bundle without dismantling the vapor-or liquid connections.

. In order to facilitate'the removal of the enclosing shell without liability of damage to the tube bundles or interference therewith, a series of guides 60 are rigidly mounted at their lower ends in an annular flange 62 forming a part of the head 17. These vertical guides are received loosely in bosses 64 formed upon the bolting flange 14 and serving to guide the lower end of the shell as it is elevated, and prevent contact or interference with the tube bundles enclosed thereby. The withdrawal of the shell with the connected baffles is furthermore facilitated by the ertension of the balies upwardly between each two adjacent floating heads, as indicated more particularly in Fig. 1, the upper ends of the baffles serving to center and maintain the heads in the proper relationship and prevent liability of interference between the heads and the baffles upon withdrawal of the shell with the baille. During the withdrawal of the shell, the floating heads are further centered, due to' the provision of longitudinali guides 65 secured to the shell and having a .sufficient inward projection to protect the floating heads against contactv with the securing rivets and other projections on the inner portionof the shell. As indicated more articularly in Fig. 9, additional short gui es 66 are provided adjacent the floating heads and upper cleaning openings. The manner in which the shell may be partially or entirely withdrawn from the sup'- porting head `and tube bundles is clearly indicated in Fig. 2, which illustrates the bolting flanges disconnected and the shell partially elevated with the guides 60 serving to control the position of the lower end. The withdrawal of the sh-ell not only ermits a cleaning of the interior of the tu ular space and the exteriorv of the tubes themselves, but in addition permits replacement of the tubes. Access to the interior of the intertubular shell maybe had t rough a series `of peepholes lor openings 67 formed in projections extending from the shell adjacent the upper end, the openings being normally closedbythreaded plugs 68.

These cleaning open'ngs formed in this manner permitconvenient attachment of a l1ne openings.

for' the delivery of cleaning medium, the space surrounding individual tube bundles thus being capable of flushing without dismantling any of the permanent inlet or outlet connections. The location of the cleaning openings at the upper ends of the tube bundles, just beneath the floating heads, permits the cleaning fluid to flow downwardly lengthwise of the tubes and effect a thorough and adequate cleaning throughout the entire' tube length. As stated previously, the upper end of each tube bundle is connected to a floating head consisting generally of an under portion 7 0 surmounted'by a cover 72 connected thereto by bolts 74. The two portions of the floating head encompass a closed chamber which controls the flow of cooling medium through the interior of the tubes. As indicated more vparticularly in Figs. 4 and 5, each under portion of the floating head is tapered orI beveled at 76 and 77 to facilitate the withdrawal of the shell and connected baiies, and to initiate the movement of the heads properly with relation thereto. The under body f the floating head is recessed between bol avoid imperfections in casting the body with .consequent liability of leakage about the bolt With this construction, not only does the casting have the desired strength with 'a considerable decrease in weight, but the liability of leakage, especially throughout a series of bolting connections, is entirely eliminated. In addition, the chamber 78 encompassed by the lower portion of the head is provided with reentrant side walls to permit a compact and close arrangement of the tube bundles with relation to theouter margin of the chamber, and to initiate reversal of flow of the cooling medium therethrough. By constructing the head in this manner, the outer tubes in each bundle may be located tingl locations in order to within close proximity of the outer surface minimum the of the float- Furtherportion ofthe space occupied by each head.-

The head indicated in Fig. 4 is one of the two lheads connected to the outer tube bundles, this head being shaped to conform to the circumference of the enclosing shell. Access to the interior of the chamber enclosed by each floating head is readily obtained through a riser 8 0 threaded at its lower end in the cover member, and projecting upwardly beyond the outer enclosing cover 20. Each a space is provided at the outer upperr floating head is provided with such a riser the upper end of which is closed by a cap 80 and v each riser is covered at its upper end by -a separate bonnet 82 secured to the cover 20 by bolts 84. With;y this construction, access to the interior of each tube bundle maybe had by removing the enclosing bonnet and cap 80 and connecting a pressure line to the end of the riser without compelling removal of Aupwardly through the cover 20, the latter j being provided with a stuliing box 86 which surrounds the riser and prevents escape of vapor from the interior ofthe cover member while permitting a sliding movement of the riser and floating head with relation thereto. As indicated vin the drawings, this stuflng box is of the usual form comprising a sleeve 90 threaded in an opening formed in the cover 20 and cooperating with, a gland 92 to compress the packing or stuiing 94 about the stem 80. The construction illustrated in Fig. '5 is well suited for certain purposes, but where high pressures are employed within the shell and theV space enclosed by the cover 20, the, construction shown in Fig. 1 is possibly to be preferred.

The flow of cooling medium throughout the interior of the tubes is selectively controlled in a simple and efficient manner. To this end the web or tube support 26 is provided upon its under side with a series of integrally depending partitions 96 which together with the cover 102 and ribs 100 form a series of chambers or passages for directing the flow of cooling medium properly with relation tothe interior of each tube bundle. Y As will be more particularly evident from an inspection of Fig. 1, these partitions are located between each two adjacent tube bundles and also centrally of each bundle, in a manner to compel the flow of cooling medium upwardly through one-half of the tubes in the bundle\ with a reversal of direction through the remaining tubes in the bundle by virtue ofthe chambers in the floating heads. Cooperating With the partitions or vanes 96 are a series of partitions 100 formed upon a detachable cover member 102 which is rigidly secured at its outer margin to the. under side of the head 17 by bolts 104. Referring again to Fig. 1,'it`will be evident that certain of the partitions 100 are omitted to provide passages for the flow of cooling medium about the under side of the partitions 96. Cooperating with the partitions formed in the head 17 are a series of inlet nozzles 106 and a series of outlet nozzles 108 which are adapted for the delivery and discharge of one-or more cooling mediums in the proper relation to,

the chambers controlled by the partitions 96 and 100. By suitably varying the connection of cooling medium or mediums to the inlet and outlet nozzles and a suitable selection and variation of cover members having different arrangements of partitions 100, the path or paths of flow of the cooling medium or mediums may be controlled to secure the desired result. In the usual practice, the tube bundle adjacent thefdischarge end of the hot vapor is ordinarily cooled by water, whereas the remaining tube bundles are controlled by cold oil admitted in one or more charges. As indicated in each case,the cooling medium of the water or oil is caused to pass twice through theinterior of each tube bundle, this passage of cooling medium being controlled at opposite ends of the tube bundle through the passages formed by cooperating partitions 96 and 100 and the chambers formed in the floating heads 28 and 30. In order to rigidly connect the cover member 102 to the under side of the support 17 and insure a complete closure and separation of the chambers formed by cooperating partitions 96 and 100, the cover member is bolted to the tube support intermediate its periphery. y This is accomplished by providing a series of enlarged bosses 110 which'surround the 'securing bolts and cooperate with similar threaded bosses 112 formed in the partitions 96. These threaded bosses 112 are engaged by the ends of retaining bolts 114 which serve to draw the partitions into close contact. The bosses formed upon'the cover member may either be a part of the partitions 100 or may be disposed at spaced intervals, as indicated in Fig. 1, where no partition is formed and where a passage is desired beneath the cooperating partition 96. It will 7 be also evident from an inspection of Fig. 1 that the supporting partitions 96 are made 1 of somewhat greater thickness than the partitions which merely serve for the guidance of cooling medium. By the proper location of securing bolts intermediate the periphery of the cover member and through the employment of a sealing gasket 120, intercommunication between the chambers may be completely eliminated. This is of great imsired vwithout disconnecting the cover plate.

What is claimed is :y

1. Oil refining apparatus comprising a series of banks of condenser tubes, a transverse tube support connected -to the tubes at one end, aseries of oating heads connected to the opposite ends ofthe tubesa shell enclosing the tubes above the support and detachably connectedtherewith, inlet and out let nozzles interposed between thev shell and tube support, a series of partitions extending longitudinally of the tubes between the floating heads supported to 'permit removal of the shellfiom about the tube bundles and rections,

providinga series of apor passes extending longitudinally of the tubes in opposite diand means for directing cooling medium through the interior of the tubes.

2. Oil relining apparatus comprisinga plurality of condenser tubes, a tube supporting partition connected to the tubes at one end, floating heads connected to the opposite ends of the tubes and having receding outer i faces to provide a taperin space between adjacent floating heads, a s ell surrounding the tubes, and a series of partitions extending longitudinally of lthe tubes and nor-- mallyi projecting into the tapered spaces between adjacent loating heads.

3. Oil refining apparatus comprising al series of banks of tubes, a single tube'support connected to one end" of the tubes, a

series of floating heads connected to the optubes a shell surrounding the tubes,

, to the cover and enclosing the riser.

cess to t posite ends of the tubes, each comprising a ody portion 'having a .reentrant chamber"k formed therein to provide clearance for the outer tube vends. of the bank, and a cover member secured `to the bod portion and thechamber ormed t erein.

4. il refining apparatus comprising a series-of tubes, a head connected to one end of the tubes and having a sealed chamber communicating with the interior of the a cover member connected to the shell and enclosing a oatin head, and means for gaining ace interior of the chamber inthe iioating head without disconnecting the cover member. g

5. Oil refining apparatus comprising a series of tubes, a head connected to one end of the tubes having a normally closed chamber communicatin tubes, a shell enc member connected to the shell and enclosing the head, a riser extending from the head above the shell and communicating with the chamber in the head, and a bonnet connected 6. Oil refining` apparatus comprisin a series of banks of tubes, an indepen ent head connected to each bank of tubes having a normally closed chamber communicating with the interior of the tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes, a cover. member connected to the shell enclosing the heads,v a riser connected to each head and extending I' f l through the cover member,I detachable means on `the end of each riser affording comm cation tothe chamber, and means connected ings inthe cover through which the risers extend.

series of tubes, a oating head connecte the tubes having a normally sealed chamber communicating with the interior of the tubes, means for enclosing the space about the-tubes and head, means extending beyond the closure for affording communication with the interior ofthe head to ermt access to the interior of the head without detaching the closure, and means kfor sealing the space in a manner to ermt a relative movement of the head an communicating means with respect to the closure.

8. Oil refining apparatus comprising a transverse tube supporting partition, a lurality of banks of tubes connected at t eir lower ends to the partition, an annular member having inlet and outlet nozzles formed therein above the partition, a shell connected at its lower end to the annular member and surrounding the tubes, a plurality of "floating heads connected to the opposite ends of the tubes, a plurality of cooling fluid directingi passages located beneath the partition, an passes Within the shell. n

9. Oil rening apparatus comprising a transverse tube-supporting partition, an an nular member above the partition havin inp with the ulterior of the` 1n the casting above the support, cooling fluid osing the tubes, a cover directing passages formed below the support, cooling fluid nozzles formed in the' casting and communicating with the passages, a plu-l of banks of tubes connected at their rality ends to the tube supporting partition,

lower ber connected to theA upper end of the shell, d a series of oating heads connected to the upper ends of the. tubes and enclosed by the cover member.

11. Oil reining apparatus tibe supporting partition, a plurality o 'a plurality of Heating heads connected. tothe tubes at the opposite ends, cooling fluid directing ribs located in a predetermined .ar-

comprisiig a ofbanks with the cover member for sealingthe open-l rangement on the opposite side of theV tube irecting passageslocated below the tubes connected to the partition at one end,

sok

means for providing a series of vapor of tubes connected at their lower ends to the support, an annular member above the sup-f porthaving integral partition ribs, inlet and v outlet nozzles formed in the annular member cape of vapor from within the space enclosed and disposed to cause hot vapor` to initially impinge upon an integrally formed rib, a shell surrounding the tubes, and longitudinal baffles cooperating with the ribs to provide a series of tubes.

l13. Oil refining apparatus comprising a transverse tube support, a series of tubes kconnected to the support, floating heads connected to the opposite ends of the tubes, a series of transverse cooling fluid directing vapor passes lengthwise of the ribs adjacent the support, a detachable cover member cooperating with the ribs to form passages, and a parallel series of bolting connections joinin the intermediate portions of the cover to e ectually seal the closed passages formed thereby.

- 14. Oil reinin ,apparatus comprising a series of tubes, aead connected to the ends of the tubes having a normall sealed chamber communicating with the lnterior of the tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes, -a cover member connected to the shell and closing the space around the head, a riser connected to the head and projecting through and beyond the cover member to alord communication with. the chamber, a detachable closure on the end of the riser, and means. connected to the cover member for preventing the esthereby. f

15. Apparatus for fractionating oil vapor comprislng a plurality of condenser tubes, means for forming a series of vapor passies lengthwise of the tubes, means for cooling the interior of the tubes, and means for creating turbulence in the vapor between suc- CeSSlVe paSSBS.

16. Apparatus for fractionating oil va or comprismg a plurality of condenser tu es a shell surrounding the tubes, a longitudinal baille to provide vapor passes lengthwise of the tubes, grid-1ike openings formed in the baie between passes to diffuse -and create turbulence in the vapor, and means for cool- .lng the interior of the tubes.

17. Oil refining apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes, a tube support connected to one end of the tubes, a floating head connected to the opposite end of the tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes and detachably connected to the support, and a guiding rib projecting from the` interior of the shell and designed to Vcenter and guide the floating head by contact therewith upon removal of the shell. A

18. Oil refining apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes, a tube support connected to oneend of the tubes, a Hoating head connected to the o posite end of the tubes and :havin a roun ed or tapered portion adjacent t e tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes y the shell and floating head upon Withdrawal of the shell from about the\tubes.l

20. Oil refining'. apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes, a tube support connected to one end of the tubesfa floating head connected to the'opposite end of the tubes, a shell detachably connected. to the support and surrounding the tubes, an inner guide mounted Juponthe shell and centering the ioating-head with respect to the shell upon withdrawal thereof, and outerv guide means located in a predetermined position with relation to the tube support and serving to center the free end of the shell upon partial or complete withdrawal.

21. Apparatus for fractionating oil vapor comprismg a plurality of tubes, a transverse tube support connected to one end of the tubes, an annulus havin inlet and outlet nozzles formed therein located above the support, the linner and outersurfaces of the annulus diverging toward the lower portion to provide a rogressively thickened wall approaching t e upper portion of the tube support, a shell surrounding connected to the upper 'portlon of the annulus, a floating head connected to the upper ends of the tubes, and means for cooling the interior of the tubes.

22. Oil refining apparatus comprising a series of tubes, asu port connected to one end of the-tubes, a ibating head connected to the opposite end of the tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes, a cover member conthe tubes andl us v shell surrounding the tubes, a baffle extending longitudinally of the tubes between the iioating heads, and openings formed in the baffle for directing vapor therethrough separated by longitudinal guides for centering the b aile with respect to adjacent iioating heads upon relative longitudinal movement. 24. Oil refining apparatus comprising a transverse tube support, a series of tubes connected at one end to the support, a plurality of oating heads connected tothe opposite ends 'of the tubes, a cooling Huid directing rib located in the plane of division between the heads and at the side of the tube support opposite the tubes, a cover member, and a line of detachable connections for the cover member extending into the directing rib.

25. Oil refining apparatus comprising a tube support, a plurality of tubes connected at one end of the support, a floating head connected at the opposite end of the tubes, a shell surrounding the tubes and detachably connected with the support, and means for centering-and guiding the floating head with relation to the shell upon relative movement of the shell with relation to the tubes and floatin head.

26. il refining apparatus comprising a cover member, each located at the point of reversalof flow of the cooling medium at the end of the tubes adjacent the cover .and between the points of iiow reversal at the opposite ends of the tubes.

` 29. Oil refining apparatus comprising a series of tubes, a transverse tube-supporting partition connected at one end of the tubes,

beyond the partition, and a series of bolting connections securing the cover member 1n `place and located in substantial alignment with the points of flow reversal of cooling medium adjacent the artition.

' CHA LES H. LEAOH.

- plurality of tubes, a tube support connected at one end of the tubes, a oating head con-I nected at the opposite end of the tubes, a shell detachably connected with the support and surrounding the tubes, and inner and louter uide means adapted respectively to center and guide the oating head and shell upon lengthwise movement of the shell with relation to the oating head and tubes. y

27. Oil refining apparatus comprising 'a tube support, a series of tubes connected at one end to thev support, a plurality of floating heads connected to the opposite ends of the tubes and each adapted to reverse the ow of cooling medium throu h the interior of the tubes, and a cooling fluid directing rib located adjacent the tube support 'and substantially in the plane of division between the floating heads, the cooling Huid directing rib having provision for the mounting of cover-securing bolts therein to permit closing of the passages upon opposite sides of the ribI and in communication with the interior of adjacent floating heads when the cover is assembled v and secured on a line located substantially in the plane of division between the floatingtraverse alternately in opposite directions through the interior of the tubes, a detachable cover member for closing the cooling Huid passages when in assembled position, and a seriesof aligned bolting connections for the uio 

